Type of site | OTT streaming platform |
---|---|
Available in | English |
Area served | United Kingdom [a] |
Parent | ITV Consumer Limited (ITV plc) |
URL | www |
Launched |
|
ITVX is a British over-the-top and ad-supported streaming service operated by ITV plc. The service offers original content from the broadcaster, livestreams of the ITV television channels, FAST channels, and exclusive and licensed programming. [1]
The service succeeds the ITV Hub; which originally launched on 5 December 2008, and had at least 30 million registered users by July 2019. [2]
In March 2022, ITV announced the launch of ITVX, [3] an integrated advertising and subscription funded platform. The service serves as a replacement for ITV Hub, taking over as the broadcaster's catch-up service, and is positioned as a direct competitor to BBC iPlayer and the Channel 4 VOD service; featuring more exclusive programming, and a selection of FAST channels. [4] [5] [6] [7]
During the same month, it was announced that ITV has bought out the BBC's share in the UK version of BritBox, and would also include access to the service for ITVX Premium subscribers. The BBC will continue to operate the international Britbox service, while remaining a content provider for ITVX. [8] [9] [10]
The service was rolled out on 17 November 2022, before officially launching on 8 December.
On 28 February 2023, it was confirmed that ITVX Premium users would have access to StudioCanal Presents, which launched in the spring of that year. [11] On 10 March 2023, it was confirmed that ITVX would become the new home of CITV content, with the launch of a dedicated hub called "ITVX Kids" from 22 July 2023. [12] [13] [14]
By April 2024, BritBox UK would cease to exist as a standalone platform and be fully absorbed into ITVX's premium tier. [15]
On 23 November 2024, Sky News reported that CVC Capital Partners, TF1, RedBird Capital Partners, All3Media, Mediawan and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts had been linked to a potential takeover bid for ITV plc and a possible break-up of core assets such as ITV Studios and ITVX. [16]
FAST channels featured on the service include: [17]
Name | About |
---|---|
The Chase | Airs episodes from the UK version of the show. |
Comedy 24/7 | Airs various comedy programs. |
Crime Drama | Airs various ITV crime dramas. |
ITV Signed | Airs programmes with in-vision signing. |
ITVX Kids | Airs kids' shows from ITVX's catalogue. |
LEGO® Universe | Airs various LEGO-themed kids' shows. |
Love Island | Airs episodes from different versions of the show. |
Movies 24/7 | Airs a mixture of ITV-owned and independent movies. |
Midsomer Murders | Airs episodes from the series. |
The Only Way is Essex TV | Airs episodes from the series. |
Reality 24/7 | Airs various reality shows. |
Saturday Night, Every Night | Airs entertainment, reality and game-show programmes. |
Vera | Airs episodes from the series. |
World of Morse | Airs episodes from the Inspector Morse franchise. |
Name | About |
---|---|
Big Brother: Live Stream | Airs a daily live stream of the Big Brother house from 11pm to 2am on Sunday-Friday, and from 9pm to 2am on Saturday. |
Black Voices | Airs various Black-themed programs. Aired during Black History Month. |
Halloween 24/7 | Airs various Halloween-themed programs and films. Aired during October. |
ITV Sport | Airs live coverage of various sporting events. |
Xmas Movies | Airs Christmas movies from Hallmark Channel. |
Name | About |
---|---|
Award Winning Movies | Airs indie/modern movies mostly sourced from independent distributors. |
Back to the 90s | Airs programmes from the 1990s. |
Blast from the Past | Airs various classic shows mostly sourced from ITV-owned catalogues. |
Classic Comedy | Airs comedy shows mostly sourced from Fremantle's Thames catalogue. Was originally known as ITV Classics. |
Classic Movies | Airs movies mostly sourced from the ITV-owned ITC and Rank catalogues. |
Hell's Kitchen | Airs episodes from the US version of the series. |
ITV Classics | Airs various classic shows mostly sourced from ITV-owned catalogues. |
Love IslandInternational | Airs episodes from other English-language versions of the franchise. |
Loved Up | Airs dating/love-focused reality shows and dramas. |
Massive Laughs | Airs comedy programs such as panel shows. |
Out of this World | Airs sci-fi/supernatural programs mostly sourced from the ITV-owned ITC catalogue. |
Oscars 24/7 | Airs various Oscar-winning and nominated films. Aired during and after the 2024 Oscar ceremony. |
Period Dramas | Airs various period dramas. |
Pride | Airs programs featuring LGBTQ+ themes. |
Quiz Time | Airs various game shows. |
Rugby World Cup Classics | Airs highlights of classic Rugby World Cup matches. |
Sail GP | Airs Sail GP races. |
The Real Housewives UK | Airs episodes of The Real Housewives of Cheshire and Jersey . |
True Crime International | Airs Crime documentaries. |
Ultimate Ant & Dec | Airs programs hosted by Ant & Dec. |
Unwind with ITV | Airs an infinite loop of Unwind footage. |
World Cup Classics | Airs World Cup Football matches. |
As of August 2024, ITVX is available on Apple's App store, and Google's Play Store [18] Amazon Fire tablets and TVs, select Android TV models, Android devices running 7.0 and above, Apple TV, Chromecast, Freesat, Freeview Play, IOS, PlayStation 4 & 5, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs models from 2016 and above. [19] Sky (Glass, Sky Q, and Sky Stream puck), Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo), YouView, and Xbox One and Series X/S. [20]
Developer(s) | ITV Consumer Limited (ITV plc) |
---|---|
Initial release | 5 December 2008 |
Operating system | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Platform | Online, cable, IPTV, mobile |
Successor | ITVX |
Available in | English |
Type | Video on demand |
Website | www |
This section possibly contains original research .(December 2022) |
This section needs additional citations for verification .(December 2022) |
The ITV Player, later to be known as the ITV Hub, was launched in 2008.
The ITV Player was originally a website before being extended to television and other platforms.[ citation needed ] Initially, the website version used Microsoft Silverlight, as opposed to Adobe Flash (used by BBC iPlayer and Channel 4's 4oD) and Windows Media Video. ITV adopted Flash for its player on 15 September 2009. [21]
In November 2009, ITV Player was given a revamp, improving navigation, as well as making the site more visually appealing. The service was free to use, and it was funded by pre-, mid-, and post-roll adverts.[ citation needed ] Previously, users have been able to use ad-blocking software to skip the adverts shown. In mid 2010, the ITV website was upgraded to detect ad-blocking software.[ citation needed ] Video is sent at multiple bit rates and uses adaptive technology in the player to best determine the rate based on the user's connection. ITV Hub used HTML5 Media Source Extensions with Encrypted Media Extensions to deliver video.[ citation needed ]
In Summer 2011, ITV Player incorporated subtitles and CITV programming.[ citation needed ] The redesigned website version was launched on 22 August 2011 with upgraded search features, and a new Flash-based video player designed improve playback reliability.[ citation needed ]
In January 2012, the site was due to be overhauled to offer paid-for content in addition to the existing free 30-day catch-up; [22] however, this was delayed until 29 October 2012. [23]
Content that has only aired on the main ITV channel (rather than also on ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, or CITV) is only available to viewers located in ITV plc regions (England, Wales, southern Scotland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and on UTV in Northern Ireland).[ citation needed ] If the same programme was also broadcast in central and northern Scotland, then users located in those areas may be able to view it on the STV Player.[ citation needed ] The ITV Hub website attempts to detect user location automatically, using that provided by the ISP.[ citation needed ] On 6 June 2016, ITV Hub replaced the UTV Player service in Northern Ireland, following the latter's sale to ITV plc in February 2016.[ citation needed ]
From 6 March 2018, Domino's Pizza became the platform's first sponsor. [24] [25]
As of July 2017, ITV Hub was available on YouView-enabled Sony Bravia TVs.[ citation needed ]
In December 2008, ITV Hub was added to BT TV's TV Replay service, the deal was ITV's first with a set-top-box VOD operator. [26] It allows access to popular ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, and ITV4 shows up to 8 days after their transmission, as well as a selection of archive shows. [27]
A place for a full version of ITV Player has been reserved on Freesat channel 903. [28] A beta release was made available in December 2010 for Humax receivers, requiring the input of a code. [29] The beta was made public on 26 July 2011, with support expected to be extended beyond Humax devices. [30] [31] On 31 July 2012, an update was released for Manhattan receivers which included support for ITV Player. [32] In November 2012, both EchoStar and Samsung receivers also received ITV Player support. [33] [34] Although the ITV Hub Player app is available to viewers around the UK on multiple platforms, it is not available to Freesat viewers using second generation Freesat receivers if their regional variation is set using postcodes starting DG or TD. It is unclear why this contradiction exists. [35]
On 29 January 2014, it was announced that ITV Player would be available on Sky's Now TV box. [36] It was later made available on the NowTV and Roku devices on 11 June 2014. [37]
On 30 January 2012, it was announced that ITV Player would be added to Sky's On Demand service the following day. [38] ITV Player initially only offered archive content, with catch-up programming becoming available on 26 September.
On 6 July 2012, it was announced that ITV Player had been made available on Samsung's Smart TVs and Blu-ray players through their Samsung Smart TV service, for 2011 and later devices. [39]
On 8 January 2009, it was announced that ITV Net Player would be added to Virgin Media's digital cable TV service. [40] The deal allows Virgin Media's 3.5 million TV customers to view over 40 hours of programming from ITV, ITV2, ITV3, and ITV4 each week. Popular shows such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale are all available for seven days after being broadcast as part of Virgin Media's free Catch up TV service. The service began a three-day deployment programme on 24 February 2009. Virgin Media's viewers were able to choose from 500 hours of ITV comedies, documentaries, and dramas, on demand through the TV Choice section, however, the contract to supply archive content ended on 23 February 2013. [41]
ITV Player was one of four services available at the launch of YouView in July 2012. At launch, the ITV Player app contained options to resume watching recent programmes and browse by channel, day, and A-to-Z, but lacked integrated search and contained non-skippable adverts. [42] During 2013, ITV intend to introduce paid-for content into ITV Player on YouView. [43]
ITV Player was released on 14 December 2010 on PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network [44] utilising the web-browser to distribute content rather than an app. It was free and ad-funded with pre-, mid-, and post-roll video ads being sold and served by ITV. Under the terms of the deal with Sony, STV, UTV and Channel Television were able to add their own equivalent services so they were also accessible from the PS3 platform on a similar basis to ITV Player.[ citation needed ] As of 23 November 2015 the service is no longer available on the PS3.[ citation needed ]
ITV Hub was launched for Xbox One on Friday 10 February 2017, this was made possible by a new Universal Windows Platform app which integrates with Windows 10 and Xbox One. The STV Player app run by STV, who currently hold the ITV licence for Scotland, has been launched on Xbox 360. The STV Player app contains much of the content found on ITV Player and requires a Scottish postcode to be entered prior to use. ITV Hub was launched on Xbox Series S/X on 10 November 2020.
On 11 May 2011, ITV chief executive Adam Crozier announced that a dedicated ITV Player application would be released on a "wide range of mobiles and tablets" during 2011. [45] The app features programming from ITV, ITV2, ITV3, and ITV4 for up to seven days after broadcast. However, content is only available to view in the UK and ITV programming is blocked in the STV and UTV regions. A Wi-Fi connection is also required. The mobile apps were developed by digital agency Candyspace. [46] During 2013, ITV intend to introduce paid-for content into ITV Player across all mobile platforms. [43]
An application for devices running Google's Android operating system was released on 20 June 2011. [47] The app requires Android 2.2 (Froyo) or higher and Adobe AIR. Each show is broken up to feature non-skippable advertising breaks. Users are forced to register an email address to use the app to allow ITV to "keep you informed about improvements and other exciting developments at ITV." [48] On 14 January 2013, ITV Player 2.0 was released adding support for Android 3.x Gingerbread to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a re-engineered user interface. [49]
Adobe ceased support for Flash on Android in 2011, which caused ITV Player to be incompatible with devices on that operating system. A new app was trialled, but was only available on Samsung products and received poor reviews on Google Play Store.[ citation needed ] Upon the release of the app on 9 May 2013, Samsung entered an exclusivity agreement with ITV, with the ITV Player app available exclusively on Samsung devices until 31 August. ITV's online product director, James Micklethwait, cited "fragmentation of the Android ecosystem" as the motive behind the deal. [50]
An application for Apple's iOS (iOS 4.3 or later) operating system and either the iPad, iPhone (3GS or later), and iPod Touch (3rd generation or later), was launched on 1 July 2011. [51] [52]
In June 2013, the iOS app was updated to add a trial premium section, allowing subscribers to watch catch-up content without advertising, as well as pay to view live streams of ITV3 and ITV4. [53] Early reviews of the updated app on the App Store were generally negative, with users commenting that the subscription option provided poor value for money. [54]
As of May 2014, the ITV Player has been released for Windows Phone which is just like the Android and iOS versions. [55] However, the STV Player app run by STV, who currently hold the ITV licence for Scotland, has been launched on Windows Phone. Users of the STV Player can input their postcode to verify they live in Scotland, thus allowing users who are visiting other regions of the UK, to use the app and view content.[ citation needed ] The STV Player app contains much of the content found on ITV Player.[ citation needed ] As of January 2020, the ITV Hub is not supported on Windows Phone.[ citation needed ] The UWP app can only be installed on the Xbox One and videos cannot be played through Microsoft Edge whether you're in mobile or desktop view.[ citation needed ]
ITV offered most of its programming as part of the "ITV Catch Up" subscription channel on Prime Video. [56] [57] As of 2024, the ITV Catch Up channel is no longer available. [58]
Freeview is the United Kingdom's sole digital terrestrial television platform. It is operated by Everyone TV and DTV Services Ltd, a joint venture between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky. It was launched on 30 October 2002, taking over the licence from ITV Digital which collapsed that year. The service provides consumer access via an aerial to the seven DTT multiplexes covering the United Kingdom. As of July 2020, it has 85 TV channels, 26 digital radio channels, 10 HD channels, six text services, 11 streamed channels, and one interactive channel.
ITV2 is a British free-to-air television channel owned by ITV Digital Channels, a division of ITV plc. It was launched on 7 December 1998. For a number of years, it had the largest audience share after the five analogue terrestrial stations, a claim now held by its sister service ITV3 both of which are freely available to a majority of households.
ITV plc is a British media company that holds 13 of the 15 regional television licences that make up the ITV network, the oldest and largest commercial terrestrial television network in the United Kingdom.
ITV3 is a British free-to-air television channel owned by ITV Digital Channels, a division of ITV plc. The channel was first launched on Monday 1 November 2004 at 9 pm, replacing Plus. ITV3 is the sixth-largest UK television channel by audience share and the largest after the five main terrestrial services, the position which was previously held by its sister station ITV2. The channel is known for repeats of ITV dramas, and including sequential reruns of Agatha Christie's Poirot, Classic Coronation Street, Classic Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Inspector Morse and A Touch of Frost, amongst others, as well as formerly showing repeats of Kojak, Numb3rs, Columbo, Cagney & Lacey and The Bill.
ITV Digital Channels Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of British broadcaster ITV plc. It manages all of the company's television channels with the exception of ITV1, which is part of the entire network.
ITV4 is a British free-to-air television channel which first aired on 1 November 2005. It is owned by ITV Digital Channels, a division of ITV plc, and is part of the ITV network.
BBC iPlayer is a video on demand service from the BBC. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets, personal computers and smart televisions. iPlayer services delivered to UK-based viewers are free from commercial advertising. The terms BBC iPlayer, iPlayer, and BBC Media Player refer to various methods of viewing or listening to the same content. To use the service, a valid TV Licence is required by law.
Freesat is a British free-to-air satellite television service, first formed as a joint venture between the BBC and ITV plc and now owned by Everyone TV. The service was formed as a memorandum in 2007 and has been marketed since 6 May 2008. Freesat offers a satellite alternative to the Freeview service on digital terrestrial television, with a broadly similar selection of channels available without subscription for users purchasing a receiver.
itv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 13 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers the ITVX streaming service, with sections for ITV News, certain ITV1 programmes and competitions. STV, Which runs the only regions not owned by ITV plc, have their own separate website at stv.tv.
U is a video on demand service owned by UKTV, which is operated by the BBC's commercial subsidiary BBC Studios. The service launched on 4 August 2014 and offers catch-up programming and live broadcasts from UKTV's free-to-air channels.
My5 is the brand name of video-on-demand services offered by Channel 5 in the United Kingdom. The service went live on 26 June 2008. It is owned by Paramount Global and operated by their Paramount Networks UK & Australia division.
Channel 4 is a video on demand service from Channel Four Television Corporation, free of charge for most content and funded by advertising. The service is available in the UK and Ireland; viewers are not required to have a TV licence—required for live viewing and the BBC iPlayer on-demand service—when watching on-demand services. The service launched on 16 November 2006 as 4oD. The service offers a variety of programmes recently shown on Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4 and E4 Extra and shorts, alongside exclusive content such as programming from Adult Swim. However some programmes and movies are not available due to rights issues. The service was originally available without registration, but free registration was later required. The service is available without advertising on payment of a subscription, under the name Channel 4+.
High-definition television in the United Kingdom is available via cable, IPTV, satellite and terrestrial television. The first high-definition broadcasts began in late 2005 and since then the number of channels available to view has grown to a maximum of 87 that can be viewed on pay-TV service, Sky.
STV Player is a video on demand service owned by STV Group and available free-of-charge across the UK, online, on mobile and on all major TV platforms, including Sky Glass, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Freeview Play, Freesat and Virgin Media.
Qello Concerts is an American-based entertainment company founded in 2010, in New York, by Brian Lisi, Bob Frank, and Richard Johnson. Qello is the parent company of digital streaming service Qello Concerts, and over-the-top content service provider Qello Media Solutions. Qello Concerts is a digital streaming music service specializing in on-demand concert films and music documentaries. In 2016, Qello Concerts added live streaming events and original programming. It was acquired by Stingray Group in January 2018.
ITVBe is a British free-to-air television channel owned by ITV Digital Channels, a division of ITV plc. The channel was first announced on 12 February 2014 and launched on 8 October 2014. ITVBe broadcasts reality and unscripted shows, including US acquisitions such as The Real Housewives franchise, Million Dollar Listing New York, and Botched; and original programming such as The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Dinner Date, and The Only Way Is Essex. The channel has also occasionally aired feature films, particularly from the romantic comedy genre, and from May to September 2023 also broadcast female-skewed comedy and drama such as Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
BritBox is an online digital video streaming subscription service founded by BBC Studios and ITV which operates in eight countries across Australia, Europe, North America, and South Africa. In addition to original programming, it offers British television series and films, featuring current and past series as well as films supplied by Britain's major terrestrial broadcasters the BBC and ITV. BritBox is said to feature the biggest collection of British box sets available in one place, with additional original programming available from 2020.
This is a timeline of the British company ITV Digital Channels and its predecessors Granada Sky Broadcasting and Carlton Communications, and digital channels of other ITV-related companies. The timeline does not include events related to ITV network's flagship channel.
Unwind with ITV is an ITV ambient television programme. It broadcasts footage of various peaceful environments and computer graphics, over ambient music. Its introduction was, partially, a part of ITV's Britain Get Talking campaign, and is produced by Plymouth-based Rock Oyster Media in collaboration with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably, with music coming from the libraries of the music conglomerate BMG. It started broadcasting on 2 October 2021. In November 2022, Unwind was discontinued on STV, with it being replaced by Night Vision, which features news, sport and weather from across Scotland. However, in July 2023, Unwind returned to STV following the collapse of Ideal World and now shown alongside Night Vision.